In Portsmouth: Firefighters toy bank collecting for those in need

Tuesday

Nov 20, 2012 at 3:15 AMNov 20, 2012 at 5:27 AM

PORTSMOUTH — Firefighters need help making a child's Christmas magical.

Black Friday marks the annual toy drive kick off for the Seacoast Area Firefighters Toy Bank. Portsmouth organizer Steve Morse said, “ There is a real need for toys in our community. We are asking the community to help us fill this need by donating to the drive.”

The toy bank provides families that need a hand with Christmas gifts for the children. In its 11th year the bank has helped thousands of families in the Seacoast and is expected to help over a hundred more this year in Portsmouth alone.

Portsmouth and Rye Firefighters will be on hand at Wal-Mart, 2460 Lafayette Road in Portsmouth to collect toys at the annual Black Friday Toy Drive, Friday November 23.

Collections will go until 4:30 p.m. “We have a few ideas, when people come by they can grab a card to purchase what a child requested or they can shop for an age group and drop toys, clothing, bedding at the door on the way out. For the folks that don't want to decide, we welcome monetary donations and will do the shopping.” Morse said.

Drop boxes are available at many locations throughout the city over the next few weeks including great partners like G. Willikers! Toy Shop, Provident Bank on Daniel Street, Beechstone Apartments, Patriots Park apartments, and The National Visa center on Pease Tradeport. Toys can be dropped off at one of the three Portsmouth Fire Houses as well. Businesses wanting a drop box at can request one by emailing toybank@pffca.org.

For more on the Seacoast Area Firefighters Toy Bank visit: www.toy-bank.com or www.pffca.org for information on the Portsmouth Firefighters Bank.